The Music Speaks

She finishes her entire ice cream cone in about 2 more bites. The scoops literally disappeared. From were I stand, it looked as if she inhaled the damn thing. What scares me most, however, isn't her lack of decorum but her ability to not get a brain freeze when eating ice cream this fast. It might even be better than the ability born from my [melody], or anyone's ability really.

When she is done, we make a quick pit stop by a bathroom to allow her to clean her face. I would do the same with Asher when he was younger, except he would come out somehow dirtier than the way he went in. Fortunately, that is not the case for Calliope which is really good for me since I cannot enter the women's bathroom. Well, perhaps I could do so unnoticed if I used the song of somnolence first, but I'm not too keen on going to jail for the moment.

When she is out, we finally head towards our first stop, the funfair. This is the best place to bring a kid in my opinion. Who doesn't love a funfair? Even adults can find enjoyment in the activities proposed. Calliope is of the same mind as me, when she sees the attractions from outside the fair, she cannot contain her excitement. She rushes in and places herself in front of a very, very tall roller coaster. It is made of multiple heels, at first, each higher than the previous one. After a certain point, the structure turns upside down, with hills that nearly scrape the ground. Then, the most surprising part is that there is an entire hole in the structure. By that I mean that the cart is supposed to ride the air somehow. The description calls the whole thing, the 'Final Ride' and according to it, once the cart reaches the gap, its jet boosters activate and safely transport the riders to the other side which marks the end of the ride. Baffled, I look up, and, it might be an exaggeration, but I am fairly certain that the highest part of the structure is poking through a cloud. Truly a wonder of modern architecture.

'She wants go on that?'

"W-why don't we try something else Calliope?"

She gives me that look again.

"Mister please!!!"

Her plea is irresistible. Against my will, we board the monster. After what seemed like hours of endless torture, we finally get off. Calliope wears a smile that goes all the way from one ear to the other while I am leaning against a bench doing my best to appear nonchalant. This ride was the most difficult trial I've had to face yet. It was much worse than any battle I have fought up until now. At least in those battles I have some sort of control and I can protect myself but there was nothing safe about any part of this really coaster. I believe that the fact that we are both in one piece is a miracle in and of itself. My heartrate is still elevated and I am almost certain that I caught a glimpse of my life unfolding before my eyes at one point. The only things that comes close to this are Maestro Lauren's 'special' lectures.

We spend the rest of the day trying the different attractions of the fair, whether it be game booths, more roller coasters or other attractions such as this revolting thing they refer to as the 'Stargazer'. The ride consists in placing people inside a pod that is then shot up really high into the sky, so high the people inside get a better look at the stars. No one can tell me that such a ride sounds like something fit for human use. I realize that It may sound like I am afraid of heights, but that is not true at all. It is just that I prefer the comfort of solid ground.

When we come out of the fair the sun has begun setting. In both my arms, I am carrying a gigantic teddy bear that Calliope has decided to name 'Mr. Boo-Boo'. On her part, she is carrying many small prizes which fill up both of her bags. She is skipping ahead of me seemingly pleased with the day she just had, but suddenly, she stops.

"Why are you so nice to me Mister? I don't understand."

"You remind me of someone."

"Who?"

"My younger sister and brother. They're a bit older than you though."

"Oh... I wish I had siblings too..."

"But you do have siblings."

She looks at me, confused.

"No, I don't?"

"Of course you do! you have Mr. Boo-Boo, Mr. Alden, Ms. Aurora and Mr. Asher!"

She stops skipping and remains silent. Afraid I've said something wrong, I approach her in hopes of salvaging the situation. When I near her position, she jumps at me with the full force of a 1st-stage [enlightened], making me drop Mr. Boo-Boo and forcing me to take a few steps back.

'That's going to leave a mark...'

She hugs me tightly and starts loudly crying. She sounds like she has been holding back her real emotions for quite some time. Most likely a result of her situation. It was evident that she had been crying at the Lounge but she was probably never allowed to cry like this. We stay there, on the side walk, basked in the light of the sunset and I let her unload everything she has kept to herself until now. Even my eyes become invaded by tears.

Before I realized it, I grew attached to this little girl. A few days ago we did not even know of each other's existence and now I see her as a third younger sibling. Even if I do not know what the future holds for us, I'll do everything in my power to ensure her safety.

For the remaining 4 days of my mission time, Calliope and I visit many places. Some examples include the Coral Cove District's famous aquarium. That place was truly a marvel with innumerable different species kept in captivity. What was the most surprising about it was the fact that they were even able to hold some [echo-blessed] marine animals. To do this, their facilities must have been extremely advanced. We also stopped by the Golden Gate's grand market to get Calliope some proper clothes and allow her to pick toys suitable for children her age.

The idea that she might need to start going to school also popped into my head, but I'm still unsure how I'll accomplish that. I'd have to register as her legal guardian somehow, maybe I'll ask Maestro Lauren to pull some strings for me.

The days pass and unfortunately, the week comes to a close. All good things have an end after all. Before returning to DaiKar, I give Ms. Aria my last farewell and I bring Calliope to my home. I introduce her to both Asher and Aurora. I was worried about how they would react if I brought an unknown little girl home but they take it very positively. After I explain the situation they agree that we must never turn her over to the authorities. Calliope also seems to like them, she is a bit shy at first, hiding behind me, but she becomes very comfortable quickly. She even starts playing 'Sonarise' with Asher, an immersion game allowing players to live life as an [enlightened].

To reassure them, I explain to my siblings that Calliope can mostly take care of herself. They would really just need to hire someone to watch her when they are not there, any babysitter would do. I advise them to withdraw notes from the emergency fund and tell them that I will find a long-term fix soon enough.

When I finally return to DaiKar, I immediately tell Maestro Lauren about my situation. I have not known her for that long, but in that short time, I have ascertained that I can trust her. She is fascinated by the concept of someone able to access pure flow at 9 years old but I know that she will keep the secret. She tells me that it might be hard for me, a young DaiKar student to adopt someone who is not related to me, but that she would act as my guarantor. Indeed, while it is easy to forget, Maestro Lauren is a highly respected person with a lot of privileges as a peak second stage [enlightened]. Now, all I have to do is wait fill out the application form, attend the interview and wait for approval. This whole process might take a few months to a year. In the meantime I'm thinking of hiring a private tutor for Calliope.

'I'm going to have to find a way to make money soon aren't I...'

When everyone has returned from their mission, Maestro Lauren makes an announcement.

"I know you are all tired from the adventures you just had! Some failed, some passed, some needed rescuing, but no matter what happened, it's okay! You will all have a taste of the special training regime I've prepared either way! However, before that, I've decided that I'll allow all of you to have some REAL rest."

"...??!"

"What?!"

"...No way..."

"Indeed!! You will be allowed to return home as of tomorrow, right in time for Valentine's day! Or at least I think that's soon, I can't remember, I haven't had a Valentine's in so long. Strangely, men just run away from me."

'A real vacation...!!'

All of the former Lauderdale students, including me, celebrate. Eventually, I catch a glimpse of Sylvia who wears her usual warm smile. I look at her, she looks at me and she begins walking in my direction. She speaks first.

"What are you doing the day after tomorrow?"

"Umm, nothing I think. why?"

"I know this nice café close to the academy, meet me there at 15:00 okay?"

She smiles, turns around and leaves. I remain idle and in shock.

'HUUUUUHH??!?!? DID SHE JUST ASK ME OUT ON A DATE??!?! SHE DID RIGHT?!?! SHE SOOO DID!!"